The Terrapins are in the early stages of wooing local prospects and Goins, a standout from Baltimore (Md.) Gilman, is just one of the area prospects who first-year Maryland coach Randy Edsall targeted.

“They're trying to recruit people from the state now,” Goins said. “I want to be a part of that change they're making.”

Goins was willing to look past Maryland's struggles this season (2-10, 1-7 in the ACC) and honor one of the first scholarships he received months ago. Goins also had official invites from Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Navy and East Carolina. West Virginia had also shown strong interest.

The 5-foot-9, 209-pounder admitted he grew frustrated when more scholarship offers didn't pour in after the initial flurry. Eventually he realized he should be thankful for what he had in the Terrapins.

“It's close to home,” Goins said. “I like the coaches. They care about me more than just as a player. That's a good thing.”

And as for having his recruitment complete, Goins was overwhelmingly relieved.

“The whole process was getting kind of tough,” he said. “It's great to have it over with.”

ESPN has Goins pegged as a three-star outside linebacker, but he said Maryland recruited him to play tailback.